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By Ahmadu Butta

The Kaduna State Multi-Stakeholder State Action Plan (SAP) Implementation and Monitoring Committee (SMIMC) has joined the global commemoration of the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, expressing concern over escalating insecurity across Kaduna State and the country.

Committee’s Chairperson, Saadatu Hamma, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Committee is working in partnership with the CLEEN Foundation and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

She highlighted the growing incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry, noting that these threats continue to endanger residents and expose women, girls, and vulnerable groups to heightened protection risks.

The SMIMC also referenced the recent classification of Nigeria as a “country of concern” by the United States, describing it as further evidence of the urgent need for strengthened preventive and coordinated responses to insecurity, human rights violations, and gender-based violence.

The Committee stressed that worsening insecurity has deepened the vulnerability of women and girls, exposing them to sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, disrupted education and economic activities, trauma, and exclusion from peacebuilding processes.

It reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP), with actions focused on strengthening community early warning systems, supporting coordinated services for survivors of gender-based violence, and enhancing women’s participation in peace and security decision-making.

The SMIMC also called on government authorities to intensify security operations, urged security agencies to adopt gender-sensitive approaches, and appealed to traditional leaders to protect women and girls and speak out against violence.

Civil society, the media, women’s groups, HeforShe ambassadors and youth networks were encouraged to amplify peace messaging and support community-level resilience efforts.

The Committee believed that sustainable peace and development in Kaduna State is not achievable without the inclusion, protection, and leadership of women and girls.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has dismissed as “false and ridiculous” the claim by ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani paid N1 billion to bandits.
In a strongly-worded statement issued and made available to Journalists today , Senator Sani said the allegation attributed to the former governor lacked credibility and amounted to “politically motivated falsehood.”

In the statement personally signed by Senator Shehu Sani accused the former governor of establishing what he described as a “culture of appeasement to terrorists” during his administration. According to him, El-Rufai had previously admitted to engaging in “conditional cash transfers” to bandits, a claim which, he noted, led to the arrest of journalist Luka Biniyat at the time.

The former lawmaker argued that Kaduna State witnessed some of its worst security incidents under El-Rufai’s leadership, citing several high-profile attacks including the Kaduna–Abuja train attack, the Greenfield University abductions, and the kidnapping and killing of students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Bethel Baptist High School, and other institutions.

“Under his watch, bandits and terrorists operated freely like lords and kings,” Sani said, adding that large portions of Southern and Central Kaduna became “slaughterhouses where criminals operated unchallenged.” He noted that even the Kaduna airport was shut down at some point due to escalating insecurity.

Sani also referenced El-Rufai’s withdrawal of his son from a public school over safety concerns, arguing that such actions contradict the former governor’s present claims on security.

Challenging El-Rufai to present evidence of any alleged payment by the current administration, Sani said: “If he has images or videos showing cash being handed to bandits, he should make them public.”

The former senator further alleged that El-Rufai is driven by “envy” over what he described as Governor Uba Sani’s success in fostering unity between the predominantly Christian Southern Kaduna and the Muslim-majority Northern Kaduna.

He accused the former governor of presiding over an era marked by “religious and ethnic discrimination, division, persecution, torment and terror.”

While acknowledging that Kaduna, like other northern states, continues to grapple with security challenges, Senator Sani argued that Governor Uba Sani has made notable progress in “building bridges across religious divides and dismantling the structures of banditry allegedly inherited from his predecessor.”

“No sensible or responsible person conscious of history will give credence to the stream of lies that have become habitual in the life of a man in his mid-60s,” he added.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Examines How Triple Threats of Money, Might, and Chaotic Litigations Sets Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk

As Nigeria moves steadily toward the 2027 general elections, a familiar and troubling pattern is resurfacing: our democracy is being contested long before citizens approach the polling booths. Increasingly, political battles are fought not in town halls, rallies or debates, but in courtrooms, party secretariats, private villas and the shadows of unchecked financial influence.
When democracy goes to court before the voter arrives, the heart of electoral legitimacy is compromised; unless we confront this drift, 2027 risks becoming another election decided by judicial technicalities, power blocs and influence peddlers—not the will of the Nigerian people.
The Courtroom Is Not a Campaign Ground
Certainly, there is no democracy without an independent judiciary; but there is also no healthy democracy when litigation replaces voter persuasion and legal technicalities overshadow voter decisions. In this dispensation, pre-election court cases have mushroomed to unprecedented levels. Instead of focusing on policies, candidates invest in legal teams to disqualify opponents, overturn primaries or secure favorable interpretations of party rules, electoral law and election guidelines.
While the courts play a vital role in resolving disputes, their increasing involvement before and after elections weakens the mandate that should come from the electorate. When judges determine who appears on the ballot and who occupies position more than voters do, democracy becomes distorted.
Money: The Invisible Voter
Financial influence has become one of the most determining factors of Nigerian electoral process and outcomes. The monetization of the political process—from party forms that cost millions, to delegates’ primaries drenched in cash, to open vote-buying on election day—has made public office obviously purchasable.
In the buildup to 2027, there is already evidence of an arms race of money. But democracy should not and cannot be an auction. When the candidate with the deepest pockets surpasses the candidate with the best ideas and pedigree, the entire nation pays the price.
Might and Intimidation: The Dark Edge of Nigerian Politics
Nigeria’s elections are often marred by a subtle but powerful coercive force: the deployment of political thugs, the misuse of security agencies and the intimidation of both voters and electoral officials. If citizens cannot cast their votes freely, without fear of intimidation or manipulation of their votes, then we do not have elections—what we have are simply rituals of staged participation. As 2027 approaches, Nigerians must insist that the ballot paper not the bully or manipulation, remains the instrument of choice. Stakeholders’ manipulative tendencies must be resisted and totally rejected. We must understand and believe that our destiny would not be served on a platter of gold. True freedom is always wrested not given!
Manipulation From Within
Manipulation does not only occur at polling units. It often begins much earlier—through compromised party primaries, doctored delegate lists, parallel congresses and last-minute candidate substitutions. These internal manipulations set the stage for disputed outcomes and post-election chaos.
Regrettably, when the foundations are shaky, the entire democratic structure trembles.
Why the Popular Vote Must Be Supreme in 2027
For Nigeria to move forward, the legitimacy of leaders must come from the people—not from court rulings, kingmakers or financial powerhouses. The 2027 season provide a crucial opportunity to reinforce the principles of free, fair and credible elections which require transparent and technology-backed electoral processes that prioritize voters over power brokers; political finance reforms to curb the corrupting force of money; internal party democracy that is credible, inclusive, and free from manipulation; judicial restraint and speedy processes ensuring courts do not become substitutes for elections as well as security neutrality to guarantee voter safety and trust.
To succeed, we must believe in being strong even when it seems to be impossible. It is said that if you really want to eat, keep climbing; the fruits are on the top of the tree; stretch your hands and keep stretching them; success is on the top. One cannot score a goal when sitting on the bench; to do so, one has to dress up and enter the game. Yes, WE CAN DO IT by securing our PVCs and getting set and determine to change the impossible with it! Democracy thrives when the ballot box speaks louder than any court order or political godfather.
2027: A Defining Moment
Nigeria is at a decisive crossroads.
Citizens are increasingly aware, vocal and determined to reclaim their democratic power. But the system must make space for their voices to matter. If the results of the 2027 elections are to enjoy national and international respect, they must reflect the true will of the Nigerian people—not the interests of a privileged minority.
Our democracy must not go to court before the voter arrives. This cherished democracy must go to the polling booth—where it truly belongs. The power to shape Nigeria’s future lies with its citizens. In 2027, the popular vote must not merely be counted; it MUST be respected, protected and allowed to decide.

This opinion was contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Justice & Constitutional Matters.

By Samuel Forani

CLEEN Foundation has begun a three-day Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Stakeholder Inception Training and commenced the formal inauguration of State Multi-Stakeholder Implementation and Monitoring Committees (SMIMCs) across five project states—Kaduna, Nasarawa, Imo, Plateau, and Benue.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with state-level partners, aims to strengthen the domestication and execution of Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security. It seeks to address the persistent gendered impacts of conflict, insecurity, and governance gaps that disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in the North-Central and South-East regions.

Speaking on day one of the training in Kaduna State, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma—represented by Programme Manager, Chigozirim Okoro—emphasised that despite Nigeria’s national commitments to the WPS agenda, implementation at the sub-national level remains weak, fragmented, and poorly coordinated.

“Several states either lack functional State Action Plans or have inactive implementation structures, resulting in minimal progress on key WPS pillars, including participation, protection, prevention, relief, and recovery,” he said.

The newly inaugurated SMIMCs are expected to serve as inclusive coordination platforms that bring together government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, women mediators, youth groups, and the media. These committees are responsible for planning, overseeing, and monitoring WPS interventions in their respective states while ensuring alignment with the national framework and adapting approaches to local realities.

According to CLEEN Foundation, the committees will also track state-level commitments under the Security Accountability Project (SAP), improve institutional collaboration, and promote gender-sensitive decision-making across peace and security processes.

The ongoing workshops are designed to build the technical capacity of committee members on WPS principles, monitoring tools, reporting frameworks, and coordination mechanisms. Participants will also develop state-specific implementation roadmaps that outline steps for operationalizing WPS commitments.

Each state training hosts at least 30 participants drawn from the Ministries of Women Affairs, Justice, and Internal Security; gender committees of State Houses of Assembly; security agencies including the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, Correctional Service, and the military; faith-based organisations; traditional institutions; media stakeholders; and members of WPS networks, He4She ambassadors, and SIC networks.

The inception workshops were held in Imo, Nasarawa, and Benue States from November 11–13, and are ongoing in Plateau and Kaduna States from November 18–20, 2025.

Across all five states, CLEEN Foundation anticipates strengthened coordination, improved accountability, increased visibility of WPS commitments, and deeper engagement of women and youth in peace and security decision-making processes.

Christian and Muslim organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition for Peace and Justice have concluded plans to convene a National Mega Peace Summit aimed at promoting unity and strengthening the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The interfaith summit, scheduled to hold next week Saturday in Kaduna and Abuja, is expected to attract grassroots religious leaders from across the country, particularly from the northern region.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Dr. Othman Musa Idris and Pastor John Simon Jita, the coalition reaffirmed that unity, mutual understanding and collective action remain essential to overcoming the forces threatening the nation’s peace and development.

According to the organisers, the summit will provide a strategic platform for Christian and Muslim leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives and develop joint approaches to tackling the rising threats of terrorism, banditry and violent extremism.

They noted that faith leaders play a critical role in shaping public attitudes and influencing community responses to security challenges. The gathering, therefore, seeks to harness their influence in mobilising communities toward peacebuilding, conflict resolution and improved security cooperation.

Discussions at the summit will also focus on practical steps to end violence, foster peaceful coexistence and reinforce the shared commitment of both religions to safeguarding lives and restoring stability in affected communities.

At the end of the deliberations, a joint communiqué is expected, outlining agreed positions, recommendations and a coordinated framework to support national security efforts and advance sustainable peace across the country.

The International Peace Advocacy Forum (IPAF) has described Senator Abdul Aziz Yari as “a pillar of unity” for his sustained efforts in promoting peace, rebuilding trust, and strengthening interreligious harmony across Northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Haruna, the group commended the former Zamfara State Governor for demonstrating what it called “remarkable and consistent leadership” through deliberate engagements with both Christian and Muslim communities in some of the region’s most fragile areas.

IPAF noted that Senator Yari’s outreach to churches, displaced families, survivors of insurgency attacks, and victims of banditry has not only brought comfort to traumatized communities but has also helped reduce tensions and promote peaceful coexistence.

“As a former governor and now a serving senator, Senator Yari has shown uncommon courage and empathy in standing with vulnerable populations,” the statement read. “His commitment to protecting Christian communities during periods of intense insecurity remains exemplary and deserves national recognition.”

According to IPAF, Yari’s interventions over the years have played a stabilizing role in several conflict-hit communities, fostering dialogue, encouraging tolerance, and strengthening community resilience at a time when Northern Nigeria continues to struggle with complex security threats.

The forum urged political, religious, and community leaders across the country to emulate Senator Yari’s inclusive and bridge-building leadership style, which it described as vital for strengthening national unity and preventing further polarization.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to deepen peace-building initiatives and bolster social harmony across Nigeria.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most notable performing governors. His administration’s “MORE Agenda” — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security — has provided a clear roadmap for governance, translating plans into tangible outcomes across infrastructure, social welfare, and fiscal management.

Delta State under Governor Oborevwori is proving that clear vision and disciplined execution can deliver real change.

In every sector, the driver of the M.O.R.E Agenda — the Executive Governor of Delta State, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori — has demonstrated unrivaled competency, unflinching capacity, and unwavering clarity of purpose.

Infrastructure Delivery: Roads, Bridges, and Connectivity

The Oborevwori administration has placed strong emphasis on large-scale infrastructure development. Over 510 road and bridge projects covering nearly 1,450 km are ongoing, with many already completed in less than two and a half years of his tenure.

Major urban interchanges such as PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction have been redesigned for improved mobility. Significant projects now link surrounding towns and villages to the state capital, Asaba — a testament to the governor’s commitment to inclusive development.

Rural and riverine areas are receiving critical connectivity projects, ensuring balanced development. These initiatives enhance commerce, mobility, and the quality of life for Delta residents. From urban centres to rural communities, Delta State is witnessing infrastructure that truly connects its people.

Fiscal Discipline and Economic Growth

Delta State has recorded major fiscal gains under Governor Oborevwori. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from ₦83 billion in 2023 to ₦158 billion in 2024.

The state’s debt profile dropped from ₦465 billion to ₦249 billion, reflecting focused fiscal discipline. Yet, infrastructure development continues at scale without excessive borrowing. These figures reflect prudent resource management alongside massive development.

People-Centred Governance

Oborevwori’s administration places strong emphasis on human capital and social inclusion. Within less than 30 months, thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited across Delta’s LGAs.

The governor has also expanded student bursaries, as well as technical training and skill acquisition centres statewide. Social programs — including empowerment grants and monthly stipends for vulnerable groups — have reached tens of thousands across all LGAs.

Governor Oborevwori’s policies make clear that no community or citizen should be left behind.

Promoting Peace and Inclusive Governance

Understanding that development thrives on peace, Governor Oborevwori maintains close engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups, and community stakeholders to sustain unity and harmony across the state.

A defining principle of his administration is accountability — removing underperforming officials and sanctioning erring staff. His insistence on a Delta State that works for all has driven multiple urban and rural projects across the three senatorial zones. The state has effectively become a large construction site under his leadership.

Recognition and National Credibility

Governor Oborevwori’s accomplishments have earned him several national recognitions. He was named Governor of the Year 2024 by multiple media organisations including Thisday Newspapers and Arise TV Group, Vanguard Newspapers, Silverbird Group, The Sun, and News Telegraph.

In 2025, he received the Most Prolific Governor of the Year award from the Democracy Heroes Award. Elder statesmen and civic leaders have also commended his visible achievements, underscoring his clarity of purpose and delivery capacity.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While significant progress has been recorded, challenges remain. Governor Oborevwori is committed to sustaining quality infrastructure, creating more jobs, strengthening rural economies, and deepening transparency and citizen engagement.

His bold intervention in federal road projects — including the recent flag-off of the construction of the Benin-Sapele Road — is a testament to his determination to address issues that directly affect Deltans.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has demonstrated that purpose-driven leadership delivers results. Delta State’s transformation under his watch is evident, measurable, and enduring. With Governor Sheriff, M.O.R.E is assured.

Dr. Emmanuel Ashikodi
Concerned Professionals for Good Governance (A Good Governance Advocacy Group)

A heated exchange ensued on Monday in Abuja between former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, during the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, as both clashed over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Amaechi, in his remarks at the summit organized by the Movement for Electoral Reform, took a swipe at the current administration, describing it as “insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians.” He lamented the worsening hardship across the country, accusing the government of failing to deliver good governance and protect citizens from economic suffering.

“People are suffering, yet there is no ASUU, no NLC, no NANS to mount pressure on the government. Nigerians are quiet when they should be demanding accountability,” Amaechi said, warning that Tinubu’s government is “defeatable” through democratic means.

However, his comments immediately drew a strong reaction from Senator Sani, who accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, reminding him of his own record in public service.

“You were part of governance from the state to the centre for many years, with little or no remarkable achievement,” Sani fired back. “You are now attacking Nigerians for not protesting, but you yourself never led any protest when you were in power.”

The former lawmaker argued that many of the challenges now blamed on Tinubu’s administration were created by previous leaders — including those who served under both the PDP and APC governments since 1999.

“All that he is pointing out as bad were problems created by leaders like him. It is ironic that after two years out of power, he has suddenly become a critic,” Sani added.

The National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, held in Abuja, brought together politicians, civil society leaders, and electoral experts to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections.

Other notable participants included Dr. Usman Bugaje, IPAC Chairman Peter Ameh, former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

The fiery Amaechi–Sani exchange became the highlight of the summit, drawing mixed reactions from attendees who described it as a reflection of the growing ideological and moral divides within Nigeria’s political elites.

A heated exchange ensued on Monday in Abuja between former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, during the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, as both clashed over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Amaechi, in his remarks at the summit organized by the Movement for Electoral Reform, took a swipe at the current administration, describing it as “insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians.” He lamented the worsening hardship across the country, accusing the government of failing to deliver good governance and protect citizens from economic suffering.

“People are suffering, yet there is no ASUU, no NLC, no NANS to mount pressure on the government. Nigerians are quiet when they should be demanding accountability,” Amaechi said, warning that Tinubu’s government is “defeatable” through democratic means.

However, his comments immediately drew a strong reaction from Senator Sani, who accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, reminding him of his own record in public service.

“You were part of governance from the state to the centre for many years, with little or no remarkable achievement,” Sani fired back. “You are now attacking Nigerians for not protesting, but you yourself never led any protest when you were in power.”

The former lawmaker argued that many of the challenges now blamed on Tinubu’s administration were created by previous leaders — including those who served under both the PDP and APC governments since 1999.

“All that he is pointing out as bad were problems created by leaders like him. It is ironic that after two years out of power, he has suddenly become a critic,” Sani added.

The National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, held in Abuja, brought together politicians, civil society leaders, and electoral experts to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections.

Other notable participants included Dr. Usman Bugaje, IPAC Chairman Peter Ameh, former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

The fiery Amaechi–Sani exchange became the highlight of the summit, drawing mixed reactions from attendees who described it as a reflection of the growing ideological and moral divides within Nigeria’s political elites.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has faulted former U.S. President Donald Trump over what he described as a “misleading narrative” about Nigeria’s internal security situation, stating that the country will eventually overcome terrorism despite challenges.

In an interview granted to the Washington Post, Sani stated that Trump had been “misinformed and misled by anarchists and propagandists” who distort Nigeria’s realities for political or ideological purposes.

According to the outspoken activist, “Trump’s views about Nigeria and its leadership were shaped by people who thrive in chaos and division. They present a one-sided picture of insecurity and ignore the courage and resilience of Nigerians confronting terrorism daily.”

Sani, who served in the 8th National Assembly and is a well-known human rights campaigner, emphasized that while Nigeria still faces serious threats from insurgents and bandits, the country’s security agencies and citizens remain united in their determination to restore peace and stability.

“Nigeria will defeat terrorism. It may take time and sacrifice, but the people have refused to surrender to fear,” Sani told the Washington Post. “Our diversity and democracy remain stronger than the hate and violence of extremists.”

He also urged the international community, including the United States, to avoid adopting biased reports and instead support Nigeria’s efforts through intelligence sharing, humanitarian assistance, and balanced diplomacy.

Sani further noted that the fight against terrorism requires both military strategy and social justice, stressing that addressing poverty, unemployment, and corruption is essential to achieving lasting peace.

The former lawmaker’s comments come amid renewed global attention to Nigeria’s security situation, following a series of foreign commentaries that have drawn mixed reactions from citizens and policymakers.

Sani concluded by warning against what he termed “weaponization of misinformation” against African nations, saying it undermines democracy and fuels instability.

“Nigeria’s story should be told by Nigerians, not by those who profit from its pain,” he said.